This course is a history of Black people from their advent in the New World to the Civil War. The African heritage and its contributions to the development of African-American culture are considered along with the slave trade and the effects of the institution of slavery. Also included are the early struggles for emancipation, resistance to slavery, the Abolitionist movement viewed from both the black and white perspective, the reasons behind the Emancipation Proclamation, and the impact of the Civil War on American society. In order to satisfy degree requirements, students may substitute this course for HIS 101 or HIS 201 with the approval of the Department Chair.